Earpiece for a mobile device

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of an earpiece for a mobile device. The earpiece is detachably mounted to the mobile device and provides sound amplification for a user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to provisional U.S. ApplicationsSer. No. 62/422,798, filed Nov. 16, 2016, and Ser. No. 62/440,107, filedDec. 29, 2016, to which Applicant claims the benefit of the earliestfiling date. These provisional applications are incorporated herein byreference and made a part hereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an earpiece for a mobile device, such as amobile telephone.

2. Description of the Related Art

The use of mobile telephones has become ubiquitous in society. However,most phone designs do poorly at transmitting audio directly into theauditory canal of the user. Several issues contribute to this problem.

Flat handset designs provide no means to engage the external auditorycanal. Additionally, mobile handsets are frequently used in noisyenvironments. Typical handset speakers are tiny and have low volumeoutputs. Separate wired or wireless headsets are cumbersome and can belost. These problems are compounded for those with hearing loss.

Therefore, what is needed is an earpiece comprising a protuberancecapable of improved apposition between the phone speaker and externalear of the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the invention is to provide an earpiece for a mobiledevice.

Another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece that can bedetachably mounted to a mobile device or a protective case for a mobiledevice.

Another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece that can beintegrally formed in a protective case of a mobile device.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece that canuse one more interchangeable earpiece tips adapted to conform to auser's ear.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece that canbe detachably mounted to an end of the mobile device.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a detachableearpiece that comprises a clip or generally U-shaped construction thatcan be detachably mounted on the mobile device.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece having apredetermined shape, such as at least one of a generally cylindrical,bulbous, spherical, tear drop, conical, or frusto-conical.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece that isan integral, one-piece or monolithic construction.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece having adetachable earpiece tip that can be detachably mounted on the earpiece.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece having asupport or mount that is at least partially captured between a surfaceof a mobile device, such as a mobile telephone, and a protective casethat receives the mobile device.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece having asound inlet that becomes operatively positioned over a speaker of amobile device.

Another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece that isselected from a plurality of earpieces, each having a different earpiecetip that is either integrally formed therein or removably or detachablyfixed to an earpiece body of the earpiece.

Another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece that has asound exit that is coaxial with a sound entrance of the earpiece.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece tiphaving a sound exit that is not coaxial with the sound entrance and thatis angled with respect thereto, such as at an angle of about 90°.

Another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece that isintegrally or monolithically formed in a case adapted to receive amobile device.

Another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece that isintegrally or monolithically formed in a case and that is adapted toreceive a removable tip.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an earpiece that canbe slidably attached to a protective case for the mobile device.

In one aspect, one embodiment of the invention comprises an earpiece foruse with a mobile device, the earpiece comprising an earpiece bodyhaving a sound entrance, a sound exit and at least one internal aperturecoupling the sound entrance and the sound exit, the earpiece body beingadapted to be situated on or integrally formed in at least one of themobile device or a case for the mobile device so that the sound entrancebecomes operatively associated with a speaker of the mobile device sothat a user can position the sound exit in or near the user's ear.

In another aspect, another embodiment of the invention comprises anearpiece for mounting on at least a portion of a mobile device, theearpiece comprising an earpiece support, and an earpiece body associatedwith the earpiece support, the earpiece body comprising a sound inlet, asound outlet and at least one internal channel for acoustically couplingthe sound inlet to the sound outlet, wherein the earpiece support isadapted and configured to be mounted on or formed in at least one of aportion of the mobile device, a mount for mounting on the mobile device,or a case for the mobile device so that the sound inlet becomespositioned in operative relationship with a speaker of the mobiledevice.

In still another aspect, another embodiment of the invention comprisesan earpiece system for a mobile device comprising an earpiece, theearpiece comprising an earpiece body comprising a sound inlet, soundoutlet and at least one internal channel for acoustically coupling thesound inlet to the sound outlet, the earpiece body having a first endeither integrally formed or adhered to a case for the mobile device orfor detachably or removeably mounting on for mobile device so that thesound inlet becomes positioned in acoustic communication with a speakerof for mobile device and a second end that defines or is adapted toreceive an earpiece tip.

In another aspect, another embodiment of the invention comprises amethod of placing an earpiece on a mobile device, wherein the earpieceis not fully stabilized on the mobile device, the method comprising thestep of placing a handset case on the mobile device, the handset casebeing defined as a covering that at least partially surrounds and/or isattached to the mobile device, the placement of the handset caseincreasing the stabilization of the earpiece to the mobile device andresulting in the earpiece residing at least partially between thehandset case and the mobile device.

In still another aspect, another embodiment of the invention comprisesan earpiece for mounting on at least a portion of a mobile device, saidearpiece comprising an earpiece support, and an earpiece body associatedwith said earpiece support, said earpiece body comprising a soundreceiver for receiving a sound signal, a sound outlet, and at least oneinternal means for acoustically amplifying said sound signal to saidsound outlet, wherein said earpiece support is adapted and configured tobe mounted on or formed in at least one of a portion of said mobiledevice, a mount for mounting on said mobile device or a case for saidmobile device so that said sound receiver can receive said sound signal,wherein said at least one internal means comprises an electronic meanssuch as an electronic amplifier, wherein said sound receiver comprises amicrophone, or means for receiving a wireless signal such as Bluetoothor a direct signal from said mobile device, a related device or anetwork, wherein said sound outlet comprises an electrically poweredspeaker, wherein said earpiece covers or surrounds a portion of saidelectrically powered speaker.

This invention, including all embodiments shown and described herein,could be used alone or together and/or in combination with one or moreof the features covered by one or more of the following list offeatures:

-   -   The earpiece wherein the sound exit defines a protrusion or        earpiece tip.    -   The earpiece wherein the protrusion or earpiece tip is at least        one of angulated, beveled or offset from the sound entrance.    -   The earpiece wherein the protrusion or earpiece tip comprises a        protrusion shape that is adapted to complement the user's ear        anatomy.    -   The earpiece wherein the protrusion shape comprises a shape that        is generally spherical, cylindrical, bulbous, generally        rectangular, polygonal, elongated, curved or the like.    -   The earpiece wherein the protrusion or earpiece tip comprises a        protrusion support post integrally formed in the earpiece body        and the protrusion or earpiece tip that is removable from the        earpiece body that defines a protrusion shape, the protrusion or        earpiece tip being adapted to be removably mounted on the        protrusion support post.    -   The earpiece wherein the protrusion support post is        substantially perpendicular with respect to a surface of the        mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the protrusion or earpiece tip is selected        from a plurality of interchangeable earpiece tips, each being        adapted to be removably mounted on the protrusion support post.    -   The earpiece wherein the mobile device is a mobile telephone,        the earpiece comprising a mount adapted to permit the earpiece        to be removably mounted or clipped onto the mobile device        proximate to a speaker of the mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the mount is configured so that the        earpiece is at least one of reversible, moveable or immobile        when mounted on the mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece body comprises a mounting        projection that defines a first wall on the earpiece body, the        mount comprising a mating second wall on a case for the mobile        device, the first and second walls cooperating to secure the        earpiece to the case.    -   The earpiece wherein the first and second walls are beveled and        define a dovetail connection.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece body comprises a mounting clip        for mounting on the mobile device, the mounting clip being        adapted to be situated between the mobile device and the case        for the mobile device to facilitate stabilizing or holding the        earpiece in a predetermined position on the mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the mounting clip is generally U-shaped and        has a first wall having an aperture that defines the sound        entrance.    -   The earpiece wherein the mounting clip is generally U-shaped and        has a second wall that generally opposes the first wall and a        joining portion that joins the first and second walls, the first        and second walls being flexible and elastic to permit the        mounting clip to retain the earpiece body in operative        relationship with a speaker of the mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the mobile device comprises a first end and        a speaker associated with the first end, the mounting clip being        adapted and sized to engage and be mounted on the first end.    -   The earpiece wherein the mobile device comprises a first end, a        speaker associated with the first end, and a second end that        generally opposes the first end, the mounting clip being adapted        and sized to engage and be mounted on the first and second ends.    -   The earpiece wherein the mounting clip is generally U-shaped and        has a first wall that engages a first end of the mobile device,        a second wall that engages a second end of the mobile device,        and an elongated portion for joining the first wall and the        second wall.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece body is integrally formed in a        case for the mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece body is integrally formed in        or affixed directly to a surface in operative relationship with        a speaker of the mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the at least one internal aperture and the        sound exit are configured to provide passive sound        amplification.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece has an active sound amplifier.    -   The earpiece wherein the sound entrance defines an area that is        larger than an area of the sound exit.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece body is at least one of rigid,        soft or malleable to engage the user's ear and facilitate        minimizing sound leakage between the user and the earpiece.    -   The earpiece wherein the mobile device is a mobile telephone and        the earpiece comprises a mechanical mount defining a clip for        mounting on the mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece body comprises at least one        wing for providing support when the earpiece is mounted on the        mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece body has an aperture for        permitting a camera or a sensor or other feature on the mobile        device to function without interference with the earpiece body.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece has at least one of an        amplifier or a wireless system.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece comprises a plurality of wings        for facilitating stabilization of the earpiece.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece body has a wall having an        aperture that becomes aligned with a component of the mobile        device when the earpiece is mounted thereon.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece body has a first end        integrally formed in the case.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece body has a first end that is        fastened or adhered to at least one of the case or directly on        the mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece body has a first end that is        fastened, adhered to or integrally formed in the earpiece        support and a second end that has a predetermined shape.    -   The earpiece wherein the predetermined shape defines an earpiece        tip that is at least one of generally cylindrical, bulbous,        spherical, tear drop, conical, frusto-conical or comprises a        decreasing cross section from the sound inlet to the sound        outlet.    -   The earpiece wherein the sound outlet is coaxial with the sound        inlet.    -   The earpiece wherein the sound outlet is offset from, angulated        or not coaxial with respect to the sound inlet.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece body has a first end        integrally formed or mounted on the mount, the earpiece body        having an earpiece projection adapted to define or receive an        earpiece tip.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece tip is selected from a group        or plurality of interchangeable tips.    -   The earpiece wherein the group or plurality of interchangeable        tips comprise different shapes or sizes adapted to fit or        conform to at least a portion of a user's ear.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece support is configured and        adapted to receive the mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece support comprises at least one        projection defining a clip for mounting on the portion of the        mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the clip is generally U-shaped.    -   The earpiece wherein the clip comprises a width that is        substantially the same as a diameter of the earpiece.    -   The earpiece wherein the at least one projection comprises a        first leg portion having a predetermined length, the        predetermined length generally corresponding to a distance        between a mounting edge of the mobile device and a speaker of        the mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the at least a portion of the clip becomes        situated between the mobile device and a protective case that is        mounted on the mobile device after the clip and the protective        case are mounted on the mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the clip comprises a first end having a        generally U-shape defining an aperture for receiving at least a        portion of the mobile device, a second end for engaging an end        of the mobile device and an elongated joining portion for        joining the first and second ends, the earpiece being associated        with the first end.    -   The earpiece wherein the case comprises a protective case, the        earpiece support of the earpiece comprises a portion that is        integrally formed in the protective case adapted to be mounted        on at least a portion of the mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the protective case covers a majority of        the mobile device.    -   The earpiece wherein the protective earpiece is mounted on the        mobile device and covers less than a majority of the mobile        device.    -   The earpiece wherein the sound inlet defines an aperture that is        larger than an aperture defined by the sound outlet.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece body is frusto-conical in        cross section.    -   The earpiece wherein the case comprises a protective case, the        earpiece support comprises a mount for mounting the earpiece on        the protective case.    -   The earpiece wherein the mount defines a connection comprising        at least one beveled wall that defines a mounting area on the        case, the earpiece support having a generally planar portion        comprising at least beveled surface adapted to mate with the at        least one beveled wall so that the earpiece support can be        removably mounted on the case.    -   The earpiece wherein the at least one beveled wall and the at        least one beveled surface defines a dovetail connection.    -   The earpiece wherein the mobile device is a mobile telephone.    -   The earpiece wherein the earpiece support comprises a mounting        clip, the earpiece body having a first end integrally formed or        mounted on the mounting clip and a second end that defines or is        adapted to receive an earpiece tip.    -   The earpiece system wherein the earpiece system comprises a        plurality of the earpieces.    -   The earpiece system wherein the plurality of the earpieces each        has an earpiece tip having a predetermined shape, at least two        of which are different.    -   The earpiece system wherein the predetermined shape is at least        one of generally cylindrical, bulbous, spherical, tear drop,        conical, frusto-conical or comprises a decreasing cross section        from the sound inlet to the sound outlet.    -   The earpiece system wherein the sound outlet is coaxial with the        sound inlet.    -   The earpiece system wherein the sound outlet is not coaxial with        the sound inlet.    -   The earpiece system wherein the earpiece body has a first end        integrally formed or adapted to be mounted on the case, the        earpiece body having an earpiece projection adapted to receive        an earpiece tip.    -   The earpiece system wherein the earpiece tip is selected from a        group or plurality of interchangeable tips.    -   The earpiece system wherein the group or plurality of        interchangeable tips comprise different shapes or sizes adapted        to fit or conform to at least a portion of a user's ear.    -   The earpiece system wherein the earpiece body has an end that is        configured and adapted to be mounted directly onto the mobile        device.    -   The earpiece system wherein the first end defines a clip for        mounting on a the portion of the mobile device.    -   The earpiece system wherein the clip is generally U-shaped.    -   The earpiece system wherein the clip comprises a width that is        substantially the same as a diameter of the earpiece.    -   The earpiece system wherein the clip comprises a first leg        portion having a predetermined length, the predetermined length        generally corresponding to a distance between a mounting edge of        the mobile device and a speaker of the mobile device.    -   The earpiece system wherein the at least a portion of the clip        becomes situated between the mobile device and the case that is        mounted on the mobile device after the clip and the case are        mounted on the mobile device.    -   The earpiece system wherein the clip comprises a first end        having a generally U-shape defining an aperture for receiving at        least a portion of the mobile device, a second end for engaging        an end of the mobile device and an elongated joining portion for        joining the first and second ends, the earpiece being associated        with the first end.    -   The earpiece system wherein the first end of the earpiece body        comprises a portion that is integrally formed in the case        adapted to be mounted on at least a portion of the mobile        device.    -   The earpiece system wherein the case covers a majority of the        mobile device.    -   The earpiece system wherein the case is mounted on the mobile        device and covers less than a majority of the mobile device.    -   The earpiece system wherein the sound inlet defines an aperture        that is larger than an aperture defined by the sound outlet.    -   The earpiece system wherein the earpiece body is frusto-conical        in cross section.    -   The earpiece system wherein the earpiece body has a portion that        is generally planar and comprises at least one first wall        adapted to mate with at least one second wall in the case so        that the earpiece can be detachably mounted to the mobile device        case.    -   The earpiece system wherein the at least one first and second        walls have mating beveled surfaces that cooperate to define a        dovetail connection.    -   The earpiece system wherein the mobile device is a mobile        telephone.    -   The earpiece system wherein the first end is mounted directly        over the speaker.    -   The earpiece system wherein the first end is mounted directly        over a speaker aperture in the case.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the following description, the accompanying drawings and theappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate a first embodiment showing an earpiece having aremovable tip and detachably mounted to a mobile device, such as amobile telephone;

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate an embodiment showing an earpiece with aremovable earpiece tip and a generally U-shaped mount or clip;

FIG. 2F illustrates various embodiments of detachable earpieces that maybe detachably mounted to a mobile device, with those embodiments shownin FIGS. 2F(i)-2F(vii) showing integral one-piece constructions havingearpiece bodies and tips of different configurations and FIG. 2F(viii)showing a detachable earpiece tip;

FIG. 2G is an illustration showing an elongated clip for facilitatingsecuring and mounting the earpiece to the mobile device and having atleast a portion that is captured or trapped between a surface of themobile device and a protective case for the mobile device;

FIG. 2H is another embodiment showing an integral earpiece and tip;

FIGS. 2I-2J are further details of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2E;

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an embodiment where the earpiece is sized andadapted so that a protective case can receive both the mobile device andat least a portion of the earpiece;

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate an earpiece integrally formed in a protectivecase for the mobile device;

FIGS. 5A-5E are illustrations similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS.4A-4E, except that the earpiece tip is removable and the case has anelongated support;

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate an earpiece that is detachably removed from asupport surface on the protective case;

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate an earpiece that is detachably removed from theearpiece case using a dovetail connection joint;

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate another embodiment similar to the embodimentshown in FIG. 6A except that the earpiece is mounted directly to themobile device;

FIG. 9 is a view showing placement of the embodiment in FIG. 10 in anear canal;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2F(ix);

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 showingwings for mounting on the mobile device;

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10mounted on the mobile device; and

FIG. 13 is a view showing an earpiece body having an aperture that isadapted and sized to permit features of the mobile device, such as acamera or sensor, to be used after the earpiece is mounted on the mobiledevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-13, an earpiece 10 is shown. In the embodimentof FIGS. 1A-1D, the earpiece 10 is removably or detachably mounted on amobile device 12. The mobile device 12 may be a mobile telephone, mobileviewing device or a listening device or other smart device. For example,the mobile device 12 may be an iPhone, iPod or iPad available from AppleComputers of Cupertino, Calif., a Samsung Galaxy device available fromSamsung of America, an LG phone device available from LG ElectronicsMobilecomm USA of San Diego, a Moto Z Droid device available fromMotorola Mobility LLC of Chicago, Ill., or a Pixel device available fromGoogle of Mountain View, Calif. Of course, it should be understood thatthis is not an exhaustive list of all mobile devices that theembodiments can be used with, and other devices from other manufacturersmay be used as well. For ease of illustration the mobile device 12 willbe shown and described by reference to a mobile telephone.

The mobile device 12 comprises a speaker 12 a, a camera lens 12 b, and abutton 12 c of the type that is conventionally known. A feature of theembodiments being described is that the earpiece 10 is adapted andconfigured to transmit audio directly from the speaker 12 a into anauditory canal of a user. In the illustration being described in FIGS.1A-1D and 2A-2H, for example, the earpiece 10 is adapted to be removablymounted or secured to the mobile device 12. As will be described in moredetail later herein, FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an embodiment where theearpiece 10 is sized and adapted so that a protective case 14 canreceive both the mobile device 12 and at least a portion of the earpiece10. Alternatively and as described later herein relative to theembodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-6B, the earpiece 10 may be integrally ormonolithically formed as part of the case 14 as shown. FIGS. 7A-7Cillustrates an embodiment wherein the earpiece 10 is removably securedto the case 14, and FIGS. 8A-8B show the earpiece 10 mounted directly tothe mobile device 12. FIGS. 11-13 show another earpiece embodiment.These various embodiments are shown in the figures and will be describedin more detail later herein.

Returning back to the initial embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, themobile device 12 comprises the speaker 12 a associated with a first end12 d. A user moves the earpiece 10 in the direction of arrow A in FIG.1D and mounts the earpiece 10 on a first end 12 d of the mobile device12 until the earpiece 10 is situated in operative relationship with thespeaker 12 a. FIG. 1A is a perspective view and FIG. 1B is a front viewof the mobile device 12 with the earpiece 10 mounted on the mobiledevice 12.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate various features of the earpiece 10 which willnow be described. As best illustrated in FIG. 2A, the earpiece 10comprises an earpiece body 16 having a first wall 11 (FIG. 2I) thatdefines a sound entrance 18 and a second wall 13 (FIG. 2J) that definesa sound exit 20. As illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2C, 2D,2I and 2J, the earpiece 10 comprises the first wall 11 and the secondwall 13 that define at least one or a plurality of internal acousticapertures or channels 22 that acoustically couple the sound entrance 18to the sound exit 20 as illustrated in FIG. 2J. As illustrated in FIG.2I, note that the first wall 11 is generally oval in shape and has adimension that is generally larger than the speaker 12 a so that thesound entrance 18 completely surrounds the speaker 12 a. The soundentrance 18 could be other shapes, such as circular, square ormulti-sided.

It should be understood that the earpiece body 16 is adapted to besituated on, adhered to or integrally formed in at least one of themobile device 12, a mount 28 or earpiece support, such as a clipdescribed later herein, or the case 14 for the mobile device 12 so thatthe sound entrance 18 becomes operatively associated and positioned ingenerally opposed relation to the speaker 12 a of the mobile device 12.This enables the user to position the sound exit 20 in or near theuser's outer ear (not shown) while holding the mobile device 12. Itshould be understood that in all embodiments being described, theearpiece 10 has at least one internal passageway or channel thatprovides an acoustic coupling between the speaker 12 a of the mobiledevice 12 and the user's ear, thereby improving the volume, quality andclarity of the sound received by the user.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2J, the earpiece body 16 comprises aprotrusion post 24 that defines a support post for receiving an earpiecetip or body 26 having a predetermined shape that is adapted to bereceived in the user's ear. The earpiece tip or body 26 may be selectedfrom a group or plurality of earpiece tips that comprise a plurality ofdifferent shapes or sizes and configurations that are adapted tocomplement the user's ear anatomy. In some of the embodiments shown anddescribed later herein relative to FIGS. 2F and 4A-4E, the earpiece tipor body 26 is integrally formed in the earpiece body 16. The group orplurality of earpiece tips comprise different shapes or sizes and areadapted to fit or conform to at least a portion of the user's ear. Theearpiece tip or body 26 has a predetermined shape that may be at leastone of a generally cylindrical, bulbous, spherical, tear drop, conical,frusto-conical or comprise a decreasing cross section from the soundentrance 18 to the sound exit 20 as shown in the different embodimentsin FIG. 2F.

Alternatively and as illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the earpiece tip orbody 26 may be a separate component that is mounted onto the protrusionpost 24. As shown in FIGS. 2C-2E, the protrusion post 24 definesgenerally cylindrical walls 24 a, 24 b and the earpiece tip or body 26comprises the interior cylindrical wall 13 that defines the sound exit20 having a diameter adapted to receive the protrusion post 24 as shown.In this regard, the earpiece tip or body 26 may be made of an elastic orpolymeric material, such as silicone or rubber that is flexible andelastic and that can be press fit onto the protrusion post 24. Theearpiece tip or body 26 may be soft and flexible, or even a foammaterial, so that it can be received and conform to a shape of eitherthe user's outer ear or inner ear canal. Note that the earpiece tip orbody 26 in the embodiment of FIG. 2C is generally elliptical orfrusto-conical in cross-section and has an outer wall 26 b that definesthe generally elliptical or frusto-conical shape, with the generallycylindrical wall 26 a integrally or monolithically formed therein.

The earpiece 10 comprises a mount 28 (FIGS. 2A and 2D) having at leastone earpiece support or projection 29 that extends from the earpiecebody 16. The mount 28 is adapted to secure the earpiece 10 onto themobile device 12. The mount 28 of the earpiece body 16 has a first legportion 30, a second leg portion 32, and a joining portion 34 whichjoins the first leg portion 30 and second leg portion 32 as illustratedin FIG. 2A. A bottom portion 16 a of the earpiece body 16 is integrallyformed in the first leg portion 30 of the mount 28. In the illustration,the mount 28 defines a generally U-shaped clip. The mount 28 is elasticand flexible so that the second leg portion 32 can move toward and awayfrom the first leg portion 30 when the earpiece 10 is mounted on themobile device 12. In this regard, the earpiece body 16, the first legportion 30, the second leg portion 32 and the joining portion 34 are alla monolithic and integral construction and made from a polymericmaterial, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), or polycarbonate.

The mount 28 is adapted to permit the earpiece 10 to be removablymounted or clipped onto the mobile device 12 so that the sound entrance18 becomes situated over or near the speaker 12 a of the mobile device12. Once the earpiece 10 is mounted on the mobile device 12, note thatthe protrusion post 24 is substantially perpendicular to a surface 12 e(FIG. 1D) of the mobile device 12, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1D.

As mentioned earlier, it should be understood that a plurality ofearpieces 10 may be provided a plurality of different configurations asillustrated in FIG. 2F and the views shown and labeled 2F(i)-2F(ix). Theembodiments of the earpieces 10 in FIG. 2F show different types ofintegrally formed shapes, such as a generally cylindrical, bulbous,spherical, tear drop, conical, frusto-conical or the like and comprise adecreasing cross section from the sound entrance 18 to the sound exit20. In the embodiment of FIG. 2F(i), the protrusion post 24 is generallycylindrical and elongated and receives a separately mounted generallyelongated and cylindrical earpiece tip or body 27 as shown. Note thatthe earpiece tips or bodies 26 are integrally formed in the earpiecebody 16 in each of the embodiments of FIGS. 2F(i)-2F(vii) and eachearpiece body 16 comprises the sound entrance 18, sound exit 20 and theacoustic apertures or channels 22 illustrated relative to the embodimentin FIGS. 2A-2D.

FIG. 2G shows a similar embodiment illustrating an earpiece tip or body26 that is integrally or monolithically formed with the first legportion 30.

As mentioned earlier, the first leg portion 30, second leg portion 32and joining portion 34 define a generally U-shape and they cooperate todefine an aperture 42 (FIGS. 2G and 2H) adapted and sized to receive thefirst end 12 d of the mobile device 12. To further facilitateimmobilization of the earpiece 10 on the mobile device 12, theembodiment in FIG. 2G shows the second leg portion 32 being elongatedwith a generally L-shaped projection or portion 34 that engages a bottomor end 12 f of the mobile device 12 after the first end 12 d of themobile device 12 has been received in the aperture 42. As with theembodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the earpiece 10 of FIG. 2G may bemounted on the mobile device 12 and then the protective case 14 situatedon the mobile device 12. This enables the second leg portion 32 to becaptured or trapped between a surface 14 a of the case 14 and a wall 12g of the mobile device 12, thereby further immobilizing the earpiece 10after it is mounted in acoustic communication with the speaker 12 a ofthe mobile device 12.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2D, 2F(viii) and FIGS. 5A-5E, theearpiece tip or body 26 is detachably mounted to the protrusion post 24.The earpiece tip or body 26 may be provided in a kit, storage containeror package in which a plurality of interchangeable earpiece tips orbodies 26 are provided. The plurality of interchangeable earpiece tipsor bodies 26 may be the same shape and size or they could be differentshapes, sizes or configurations which may enable the user or otherperson, such as a doctor, to select an earpiece tip or body 26 that isshaped and sized to accommodate an anatomy of the user's outer or innerear. It is contemplated that the earpiece tip or body 26 may be replacedby the user over time.

Note that the mount 28 on the earpiece 10 is generally U-shaped toconform to the shape of the end 12 d of the mobile device 12 to enablethe earpiece 10 to be mounted on the mobile device 12. In severalembodiments, the earpiece 10 can be clipped onto the end 12 d of themobile device 12 and proximate to the speaker 12 a of the mobile device12. In one embodiment, the mount 28 is configured so that the earpiece10 can be removably mounted and is at least one of reversible, movableor immobile when mounted on the mobile device 12. In other words, theearpiece 10 can be temporarily removed from the mobile device 12 andreplaced when needed. Preferably, the earpiece 10 is immobile after itis mounted on the mobile device 12. In this regard, either or both of aninner surface 30 a (FIG. 2A) of the first leg portion 30 or an innersurface 32 a of the second leg portion 32 may be processed, coated ortreated to have a surface adapted to grip the surfaces of the mobiledevice 12, such as the surface 12 e (FIG. 1D). For example, the innersurfaces 30 a and 32 a could be serrated, coated, rubberized or comprisean adhesive A (FIGS. 6A and 8A) that facilitates affixing or retainingthe earpiece 10 to the mobile device 12.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate another embodiment wherein at least a portion ofthe earpiece 10 is sandwiched between the mobile device 12 and its case14 as illustrated in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C shows a similar immobilizationusing the earpiece 10 shown in FIG. 2F(viii). By fixing the earpiece 10to the mobile device 12 and then mounting the case 14 on the mobiledevice 12, the second leg portion 32 becomes secured and sandwichedbetween the mobile device 12 and case 14, thereby causing the earpiece10 to become fixed and immobilized. Thus, in the exploded fragmentaryview of FIG. 3A, the mount 28 and, particularly, at least a portion ofthe joining portion 34 and the second leg portion 32 become capturedbetween the mobile device 12 and the case 14, thereby stabilizing andfixing the earpiece 10 in place so that the sound entrance is directlyover the speaker 12 a of the mobile device 12 as shown. Note in thisembodiment that the earpiece tip or body 26 is teardrop shaped and theexit aperture extends generally perpendicular to the sound entrance 18,which is situated over the speaker 12 a. In this example, the earpiecetip or body 26 is integrally formed in the earpiece body 16.

It should be understood that the case 14 may have one or more internalwalls 15 that define apertures 17 that become aligned with variouscomponents on the mobile device 12, such as cameras, lenses and thelike.

FIGS. 4A-8B illustrate other embodiments that will now be described. Inthese embodiments, the same parts are identified with the same partnumbers, except that one or more prime (“′”) mark(s) have been added tothese part numbers for the different embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4E, a single-piece embodiment is shown. Inthis embodiment, the earpiece 10′ is integrally or monolithically formedin the case 14′ as shown. In this embodiment, the earpiece tip or body26′ is also integrally or monolithically formed as part of the earpiece10′. In this regard, note that the case 14′ comprises a case support orprojection 40′ that has a first end 40 a′ integrally formed in a wall 14b′ of the case 14′. An earpiece tip or body 26′ is integrally formed ina second end 40 b′ of the case support or projection 40′. As with theembodiment described earlier herein, the earpiece 10′ may comprise adetachable earpiece tip or body 26′ similar to the embodiment shown anddescribed relative to FIG. 2C, and this embodiment is shown anddescribed later herein relative to FIGS. 5A-5E.

FIG. 4C is a plan or top view of the device showing features of theearpiece tip or body 26′ and earpiece 10′ of the embodiment shown inFIG. 4A. In this embodiment, the wall 14 b′ extends upward (as viewed inFIG. 4C), case projection 40′ extends generally perpendicular to thiswall 14 b′ as best illustrated in FIG. 4D. Again, in this embodiment,the U-shaped portion 44′ and case projection 40′ are integrally formedin the wall 14 b′.

FIG. 4D illustrates the protective case 14′ without the mobile device12′ mounted therein. Note that the case projection 40′ cooperates withthe wall 14 b′ and the surface 14 a′ to define a receiving area 48′ thatis adapted to receive the end 12 d′ of the mobile device 12′. The caseprojection 40′ and earpiece 10′ are operatively positioned or locatedsuch that the sound entrance 18′ of the earpiece 10′ becomes situatedover the speaker 12 a′. In this regard, the earpiece 10′ may beconfigured differently or oriented in different positions on the case14′, such as on the other walls 14 c′, 14 d′ or 14 e′. Also, the caseprojection 40′ may be longer or shorter or positioned off center so thatwhen the mobile device 12′ is mounted in the case 14′, the soundentrance 18′ of the earpiece 10′ becomes oriented and positioned ingenerally opposed relationship to the speaker 12 a′.

FIG. 4E illustrates yet another embodiment similar to FIGS. 4A-4D,except that the case 14″ is truncated and defines a sleeve that has abottom truncated edge 50″ that covers less than a majority of an area ofthe mobile device 12″, unlike the other embodiments where the case 14′covers a majority of the surface area of the mobile device 12′. As withthe other embodiments described herein, the case 14″ may have one ormore internal walls 15″ that define apertures 17″ that cooperate withvarious components on the mobile device 12″, such as cameras, lenses andthe like. In the embodiment of FIG. 4E, the truncated case 14″ ispress-fit or slides over the end 12 d″ of the mobile device 12″ and theearpiece 10″ becomes aligned with the speaker 12 a″.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5E, another embodiment is shown having theearpiece body 26′″ that is integrally formed in a case projection orwall 14 f′″ as illustrated. In this embodiment, the earpiece body 16′″has an integrally molded protrusion or protrusion support post 24′″defining an aperture 25′″ that defines the sound exit 20′″. Theprotrusion support post 24′″ may comprise a plurality of cylindricalribs 24 a′″ (FIG. 5B) that facilitate retaining and maintaining thedetachable earpiece tip or body 26′″ on the protrusion support post24′″. As with the embodiment described earlier herein, note that thecase wall 14 f′″ extends generally parallel to the wall 14 i′″ (FIG. 5B)and defines the mobile device receiving aperture 50′″ for receiving theend 12 d′″ of the mobile device 12′″. After the mobile device 12′″ hasbeen positioned and received in the case 14′″, the speaker 12 a′″becomes operatively positioned in generally aligned and opposedrelationship to the sound entrance 18′″ of the earpiece 10′″.

FIG. 5B is a view taken in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 5A showingthe case 14′″ without the mobile device 12′″ mounted therein. As withthe embodiment described earlier herein relative to FIGS. 1A-2F, in thisembodiment, the protrusion support post 24′″ is adapted to receive atleast one or a plurality of interchangeable earpiece tips or bodies26′″, as illustrated in FIGS. 5D and 5E.

Note in FIGS. 5D and 5E that the case projection or wall 14 f′″ iselongated and extends outward from an edge 14 b 1′″, as shown. In theillustration being described, the wall 14 f′″ is integrally formed andthe wall 14 b′″ extends a dimension D3 (FIG. 5E), which is on the orderof about 1-5 mm. Note also, that unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4D,that the wall 14 f′″ extends a dimension D4 and has an end 14 f 1′″ thatis integrally formed in the side wall 14 g″ of the case 14′″. Theinventor has found that this elongated wall 14 f′″ provides bettersupport for capturing and retaining the end 14 d′″ of the mobile device12′″ in the case 14′″. Although not shown, it should be understood thatthe wall 14 f′″ could traverse the entire width of the case 14′″ betweenwalls 14 e′″ and 14 g′″.

As with the embodiments described earlier herein, once the mobile device12′″ is mounted in the case 14′″, the speaker 12 a′″ becomes operativelyaligned and positioned relative to the sound entrance 18′″ of theearpiece 10′″.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, another embodiment is shown with astand-alone earpiece 10″″ having a generally planar and flat rear wall10 a″″ that has an adhesive or other means A for fixing the earpiece10″″ to either the case 14″″ or the mobile device 12″″. In thisembodiment, the earpiece 10″″ comprises the rear, generally planar, wall10 a″″ that has an adhesive or other fastening means A for mounting theearpiece 10″″ onto a surface 14 f 2″″ of wall 14 f″″. Note that the wall14 f″″ has an oval aperture 52″″ which becomes aligned with speaker 12a″″ of the mobile device 12″″. After the earpiece 10″″ is mounted asillustrated in FIG. 6B, the sound entrance 18″″ becomes operativelyassociated with the bottom aperture 52″″ and the speaker 12 a″″ of themobile device 12″″ when the mobile device 12″″ is mounted in the case14″″.

Of course, it is contemplated that other means could be used fordetachably or removably fastening the earpiece 10″″ to the case 14″″.One such alternative is illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C. In this embodiment,the earpiece 10′″″ comprises a mount having a generally planar mountingprojection 10 c′″″. Note the wall 14 g′″″ of the case 14′″″ comprises agenerally U-shaped internal wall 14 g 3′″″ that defines an aperture54′″″ that is beveled. The projection 10 c′″″ comprises a complementaryshaped beveled wall or edge 10 c 1′″″ so that the projection 10 c′″″ canbe moved in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 7B and mounted onto thewall 14 g′″″ as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7C. Again, the earpiece10′″″ could be selected from a group or a plurality of earpieces havingdifferent configurations, such as the configurations illustrated in FIG.2F, so that the user can select an appropriate earpiece for mountingonto the case 14′″″. It should be understood that the embodiment shownin FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate the walls 14 g′″″ and 10 c 1′″″ cooperating todefine a dovetail and press-fit connection or joint for securing theearpiece 10′″″ onto the case 14′″″. However, other configurations andmeans for fastening or securing the earpiece 10′″″ onto the case 14′″″are contemplated.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B, the earpiece 10′″″shown and described relative to FIG. 6A is mounted directly onto themobile device 12′″″, rather than on the case 14′″″ as shown in FIGS.6A-6B.

FIG. 9 illustrates how, in one embodiment, the earpiece 10 may engage anear canal 10 b of the user.

In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 10, the earpiece 10 is generallyU-shaped with a front wall 101 and generally opposing rear flange orwall 103 and a joining portion 105 that joins the front and rear walls101, 103 as shown. This embodiment comprises one or more side wings 107to allow for lateral stabilization when mounted between the case 14 andthe mobile device 12. In this embodiment, the earpiece tip or body 26 isan internal, one-piece construct with the side wings 107. Note that inthis embodiment, the first wall 101 has an internal wall 101 a thatdefines an aperture 102. This aperture 102 is arranged in apredetermined position so that it becomes aligned with one or morecomponents of the mobile device 12, such as the camera lens 12 b,thereby accommodating the components of the mobile device 12.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 show further details of the earpiece 10 shown inFIG. 10. It should be appreciated that the earpiece 10 can be adaptedand equipped with conventional wireless technology to receive a wirelesssignal such as Bluetooth (shown schematically in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13) ora direct signal from the mobile device, a related device, an unrelateddevice or even a network. In this or the other embodiments, the earpiece10 may comprise an electrically powered speaker.

Advantageously, the embodiments shown and described herein could be usedalone or together and/or in combination with one or more of the featurescovered by one or more of the claims set forth herein, including but notlimited to one or more of the features or steps mentioned in the Summaryof the Invention and the claims and in the listing below:

-   -   The earpiece 10 may be dimensioned and include various        apertures, to avoid obstruction of smartphone features such as        camera lenses, light sensors, position sensors, and any other        function on the front or back of the mobile device 12. For        example, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the earpiece 10 comprises        an internal wall 1010 that defines an aperture 102 through which        a camera lens or sensor 104 may capture images (not shown) or        sense data.    -   An earpiece 10 having a mount or clip that enables the earpiece        10 to be removably or non-removably mounted directly to the        mobile device 12, with the configuration or shape of the        earpiece tip or body 26 comprising a desired shape which may        include one or more of the shapes shown in FIG. 2F. A plurality        of interchangeable tips or bodies 26 may be provided in a group        or kit for the user to select one or more tips or bodies 26 that        conform to the user's outer or inner ear.    -   The mount 28 utilized in some embodiments may be configured such        that when the mobile device 12 is mounted in the protective case        14, the earpiece 10 is immobilized by the mobile device 12 and        the protective case 14 and fixed in operative relationship with        the speaker 12 a of the mobile device 12. As mentioned, the        earpiece 10 may also have fastening means or a fastener, such as        adhesive A, that enables the earpiece 10 to be mounted directly        over the speaker 12 a of the mobile device 12 or onto the        protective case 14 as in the manner described earlier herein        relative to FIGS. 6A and 6B.    -   The earpiece 10 may be integrally molded with the protective        case 14 or it may be a separate component.    -   The earpiece body 16 may be integrally molded with at least a        portion of the case 14 and may have an integral case protrusion        or support post 24 that is adapted to receive the selected        earpiece tip or body 26. Again, the earpiece tip or body 26 may        be selected from a group or plurality of tips or bodies 26, each        having a unique configuration or shape that is adapted to        conform to the user's outer or inner ear.    -   Different means for fastening the earpiece 10 onto the mobile        device 12 or the protective case 14 have also been shown to        enable the user to mount, dismount or change the earpiece 10 or        earpiece tip or body 26.    -   In some embodiments, the sound exit 20 is coaxial with the sound        entrance 18, as shown in FIGS. 2F(i), (iii), (v), (vi) and        (viii), while in other embodiments, the sound exit 20 is offset        from, angled, angulated, beveled or not coaxial with respect to        the sound entrance 18, as in FIGS. 2F(ii), (iv) and (vii). Note        in the embodiment of FIG. 2F(vii), the earpiece tip or body 26        is a tear drop shape and the sound exit 20 is generally        perpendicular to the sound entrance 18.    -   In another embodiment, the sound entrance 18 defines an aperture        that is larger than an aperture defined by the sound exit 20.    -   The earpiece 10 presently amplifies sound, but it is        contemplated that it could have a sound amplifier SA (FIG. 5E)        that actively amplifies sound.    -   The earpiece 10 may be adapted to be mounted on a mobile        telephone handset.    -   The earpiece 10 comprises a protrusion directed substantially        perpendicular from handset surface and the protrusion is adapted        to contact the ear of the listener.    -   The earpiece can be integrally or mechanically mounted to a        protective handset case, the mechanical mounting being        reversible, moveable, or immobile.    -   The earpiece and/or the handset case can be mounted to a        telephone handset via mechanical means, such a friction,        clipping, adhesion or interference.    -   The earpiece can be made from any material adapted to engage the        ear of the listener and minimize sound leakage between the        listener and the earpiece. The material can be rigid, soft, or        malleable.    -   The earpiece adapted to be mounted on a mobile telephone handset        may comprise an internal aperture or notch defined by a sound        entrance on the handset side and a sound exit on the listener        side.    -   The sound entrance can have a larger area than the sound exit.    -   The earpiece adapted to be mounted on a mobile telephone handset        can comprise a multiple piece assembly, with mounting means for        a separate changeable tip.    -   The earpiece may contain a passive or active amplification means        to amplify sound emerging from the headset.    -   The earpiece may comprise a protrusion angulating from handset        in manner to compliment outer ear anatomy.    -   The sound exit may be angulated, beveled, or offset from the        sound entrance.    -   The earpiece adapted to be mounted on a mobile telephone handset        may comprise a multiple piece assembly with mounting means for a        separate changeable tip.    -   The earpiece may comprise one or more internal chambers for the        directing of sound.    -   The earpiece adapted to be mounted on a mobile telephone handset        may at least partially reside between the handset and the        handset case, the handset case being defined as a covering at        least partially surrounding and/or attached to a mobile        telephone handset.    -   The earpiece stabilized by friction or other mechanical means        between the handset case and the handset.    -   The earpiece may be adapted to be mounted or clipped onto an        upper portion of the handset, proximate to the handset ear        speaker resulting in partial stabilization of the earpiece,        cooperating with partial stabilization of an overlying        protective handset case.    -   The method of:        -   placing an earpiece on a mobile telephone handset wherein            the earpiece is not fully stabilized on the handset;        -   placing a handset case, the handset case being defined as a            covering that at least partially surrounds and/or is            attached to a mobile telephone handset;        -   wherein the placement increases the stabilization of the            earpiece to the handset and resulting in the earpiece            residing at least partially between the case and the            handset.    -   The earpiece can also be mounted on at least a portion of a        mobile device and comprise an earpiece support and an earpiece        body that is associated with the earpiece support. The earpiece        body may comprise a sound receiver for receiving a sound signal,        a sound outlet and at least one internal means for acoustically        amplifying the sound signal to the sound outlet. As mentioned        earlier, the earpiece may also be equipped with wireless        capability, such as Bluetooth. The earpiece support may be        adapted and configured to be mounted on or formed in at least        one of a portion of the mobile device, a mount for mounting on        the mobile device or a case for the mobile device so that the        sound receiver can receive the sound signal. At least one        internal means may comprise an electronic means such as an        electronic amplifier and the sound receiver may comprise a        microphone, or means for receiving a wireless signal such as        Bluetooth or a direct signal from the mobile device, a related        device or a network. The sound outlet may also comprise an        electrically powered speaker and the earpiece may cover or        surround a portion of the electrically powered speaker.

Although not shown, one or more of the features of the embodiment may beused in reverse as a mouthpiece audio amplifier in association with amicrophone. In other words, the shape of the internal earpiece 10 may besituated in operative relationship with a microphone so that itamplifies sounds (e.g., a user's voice) for reception by a microphone.

While the system, apparatus and method herein described constitutepreferred embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited to this precise system, apparatus and method,and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope ofthe invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An earpiece for use with a mobile device, saidearpiece comprising: an earpiece body having a sound entrance, a soundexit and at least one internal aperture coupling said sound entrance andsaid sound exit; said earpiece body being adapted to be situated on orintegrally formed in at least one of said mobile device or a case forsaid mobile device so that said sound entrance becomes operativelyassociated with a speaker of said mobile device so that a user canposition said sound exit in or near said user's ear. 2-59. (canceled)60. An earpiece system for a mobile device comprising: an earpiece, saidearpiece comprising: an earpiece body comprising a sound inlet, soundoutlet and at least one internal channel for acoustically coupling saidsound inlet to said sound outlet; said earpiece body having a first endeither integrally formed or adhered to a case for the mobile device orfor detachably or removeably mounting on for mobile device so that saidsound inlet becomes positioned in acoustic communication with a speakerof for mobile device and a second end that defines or is adapted toreceive an earpiece tip.
 61. The earpiece system as recited in claim 60wherein said earpiece system comprises a plurality of said earpieces.62. The earpiece system as recited in claim 61 wherein said plurality ofsaid earpieces each has an earpiece tip having a predetermined shape, atleast two of which are different.
 63. The earpiece system as recited inclaim 62 wherein said predetermined shape is at least one of generallycylindrical, bulbous, spherical, tear drop, conical, frusto-conical orcomprises a decreasing cross section from said sound inlet to said soundoutlet.
 64. The earpiece system as recited in claim 60 wherein saidsound outlet is coaxial with said sound inlet.
 65. The earpiece systemas recited in claim 60 wherein said sound outlet is not coaxial withsaid sound inlet.
 66. The earpiece system as recited in claim 60 whereinsaid earpiece body has a first end integrally formed or adapted to bemounted on said case, said earpiece body having an earpiece projectionadapted to receive an earpiece tip.
 67. The earpiece system as recitedin claim 66 wherein said earpiece tip is selected from a group orplurality of interchangeable tips.
 68. The earpiece system as recited inclaim 67 wherein said group or plurality of interchangeable tipscomprise different shapes or sizes adapted to fit or conform to at leasta portion of a user's ear.
 69. The earpiece system as recited in claim60 wherein said earpiece body has an end that is configured and adaptedto be mounted directly onto said mobile device.
 70. The earpiece systemas recited in claim 69 wherein said first end defines a clip formounting on a said portion of said mobile device.
 71. The earpiecesystem as recited in claim 70 wherein said clip is generally U-shaped.72. The earpiece system as recited in claim 70 wherein said clipcomprises a width that is substantially the same as a diameter of saidearpiece.
 73. The earpiece system as recited in claim 70 wherein saidclip comprises a first leg portion having a predetermined length, saidpredetermined length generally corresponding to a distance between amounting edge of said mobile device and a speaker of said mobile device.74. The earpiece system as recited in claim 70 wherein said at least aportion of said clip becomes situated between said mobile device andsaid case that is mounted on said mobile device after said clip and saidcase are mounted on said mobile device.
 75. The earpiece system asrecited in claim 70 wherein said clip comprises a first end having agenerally U-shape defining an aperture for receiving at least a portionof said mobile device, a second end for engaging an end of said mobiledevice and an elongated joining portion for joining said first andsecond ends, said earpiece being associated with said first end.
 76. Theearpiece system as recited in claim 60 wherein said first end of saidearpiece body comprises a portion that is integrally formed in said caseadapted to be mounted on at least a portion of said mobile device. 77.The earpiece system as recited in claim 76 wherein said case covers amajority of said mobile device.
 78. The earpiece system as recited inclaim 76 wherein said case is mounted on said mobile device and coversless than a majority of said mobile device.
 79. The earpiece system asrecited in claim 60 wherein said sound inlet defines an aperture that islarger than an aperture defined by said sound outlet.
 80. The earpiecesystem as recited in claim 60 wherein said earpiece body isfrusto-conical in cross section.
 81. The earpiece system as recited inclaim 60 wherein said earpiece body has a portion that is generallyplanar and comprises at least one first wall adapted to mate with atleast one second wall in said case so that said earpiece can bedetachably mounted to said mobile device case.
 82. The earpiece systemas recited in claim 81 wherein said at least one first and second wallshave mating beveled surfaces that cooperate to define a dovetailconnection.
 83. The earpiece system as recited in claim 60 wherein saidmobile device is a mobile telephone.
 84. The earpiece system as recitedin claim 60 wherein said first end is mounted directly over saidspeaker.
 85. The earpiece system as recited in claim 60 wherein saidfirst end is mounted directly over a speaker aperture in said case.86-87. (canceled)